Under various parties' scrutiny, Eric needed assistance from the Montgomerys. They facilitated the reception of both the executives and the Lockes in King City before organizing their direct return to Salt City.

An unsettling emotion gripped Eric as he gazed over Salt City through the floor-to-ceiling window.

"Andy, pass me a cigarette," he requested from Andy behind him.

Andy warned, "You better not smoke this thing. It's hard to quit once you're addicted."

"No worries," Eric dismissed.

Ha